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How to create screenshots on Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS devices and Android devices so that you can add the image to Knowledge Base articles.

<!-- Note: We have a support article, https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/how-do-i-create-screenshot-my-problem which this article was originally based on. We also have a KB “how to contribute” article, https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/adding-screenshots which was shortened by moving some content to this article. --> {note}'''Note:''' See [[How do I create a screenshot of my problem?]] if you need help creating a screenshot to add to a Mozilla Support forum question.{/note} This article explains how to create a screenshot and how to edit screenshot images on different operating systems and devices, to use in Knowledge Base articles. To learn how to add screenshots and other images to KB articles, see [[Add images and screenshots to Knowledge Base articles]]. __TOC__ <!-- These tips are copied from https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/adding-screenshots --> =Visual markers= Visual markers are key to making documentation clear and user-friendly. These markers draw attention to specific areas in an image, guiding users through each step of a process. ==Outline color== Use a red outline (specifically hex color '''#f71701''') to delineate significant sections of your screenshots. This color choice ensures that the highlighted areas attract immediate attention. ==Corner style== Adopt square corners for the outlines to achieve visual harmony across your screenshot annotations. ==Line thickness== Balance the outline thickness between 4 and 8 points (pt) to achieve uniform visibility across screenshots of varying sizes. ;[[Image:Screenshot outline example|width=450]] ==Sequential step markers== Using sequential step markers on screenshots links each action within the UI to its corresponding text steps. This reduces ambiguity and the need for multiple images. It’s especially useful for longer instructions within the same window or context. By employing this method, you can show multiple instructions in a single screenshot with clear indicators for each action in the interface. Here’s an example of an appropriate scenario for using this approach: ;[[Image:Sequential Step Markers example|width=650]] To add these markers to your screenshots, open the screenshot in your preferred image editor. Then, save the markers from the [[Sequential step markers list]] and place them in the appropriate sections of the screenshot. =Image preparation and editing= ==Size== Ensure screenshots are compact in size. To enhance loading times and accessibility, particularly for users on slower internet connections, it's best to keep the dimensions of screenshots under 620 pixels in both height and width. ;[[Image:Example image size|width=620]] ==Cropping== *Ensure that larger screenshots are cropped to highlight the UI elements that pertain to the task at hand. ;[[Image:Cropped screenshot example|width=400]] ==Simplifications== *Simplify complex screenshots by eliminating non-essential UI elements, reducing cognitive load for users. Opt for muted grayscale tones like '''#D4D4D4''' and '''#E0E0E8''' instead of bright or dark colors. These lighter shades help to minimize distractions, allowing users to stay focused on the important parts of the screenshot. ;[[Image:Simplified screenshot example|width=620]] ==PII== *Eliminate all ''Personal Identifiable Information'' (PII) from screenshots, including emails, usernames, and any personal data that could potentially identify an individual. ;[[Image:Remove PII example|width=400]] ==Light mode== *Capture screenshots in “Light Mode” whenever possible, as “Dark Mode” images may not be as easily discernible for some users. [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paint_%28software%29 Paint] on Windows and [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Preview_%28Mac_OS%29 Preview] on Mac are useful software for cropping and editing screenshot images. You can also use freeware such as [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/GIMP GIMP] on Windows, Mac and Linux. Other editing tools are listed at the end of this article. [[UI:details_start]] = Create a screenshot on Windows = Once you have the screen presented the way you want for the screenshot: #Press the ''print screen'' key ({key Print Screen} or {key Prnt Scrn} or {key prt sc} or {key PrtSc} or {key PrtScr}, depending on your keyboard). This key is usually found in the upper right section of your keyboard. To capture only the active window, hold down the {key Alt} key, before you press the ''print screen'' key. #Go to the Windows ''Start'' menu and open up the Microsoft Paint program from the ''Programs'' list (look under ''Accessories''). #Once Paint is open, click '''Paste''' and your screenshot will appear. #Save your image as a PNG file, in an easy-to-find location such as your desktop. <!--These three subsections are copied from https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/adding-screenshots --> ==Cropping screenshots in Paint== Cropping screenshots lets you edit a big image to show the readers only what they need to see. # Open the screenshot in Paint. # On the toolbar, click Select+Rectangular Selection. #;[[Image:Paint1]] # Your cursor now looks like a compass. Use your cursor to draw a rectangle around the area you wish to show up in the final image. # Click {button Crop}. ==Making screen grabs in Paint== Screen grabs let you focus on a small portion of a picture inside a larger picture. You may want to show one button on a whole toolbar. # Open the screenshot in Paint. # In the Shapes toolbar, select the rectangle shape. #;[[Image:Paint3]] # In the Colors toolbar, select the color red. #;[[Image:Paint4]] # Your cursor now looks like a compass. Use your cursor to draw a red rectangle around the area you want to showcase. #;[[Image:Paint2]] ==Resizing images in Paint== Some screenshots come out large. But it’s best not to use screenshots that are more than 620 pixels long or wide. Here’s how to resize a big screenshot. # Open the screenshot in Paint. # Click {button Resize} on the toolbar. A ''Resize and Skew'' window opens. # Check if the height and width are both under 620 pixels. If they’re larger, type a smaller number into either the horizontal or vertical bar. #;[[Image:Paint5]] [[UI:details_end]] [[UI:details_start]] = Create a screenshot on Mac = Once you have the screen presented the way you want for the screenshot: *To capture the screen, hold down the {key Command} key, as well as the {key Shift} key, as you press {key 3}. *To capture a specific section, hold down the {key Command} key, as well as the {key Shift} key, as you press {key 4}; then select the area you want to copy. *To capture a specific window, hold down the {key Command} key, as well as the {key Shift} key, as you press {key 4}; then press the {key Spacebar}. You can then click on a window to capture it. As a result, there will be a PNG file on your desktop. ==Cropping images in Preview== Cropping screenshots lets you edit a big image to show the readers only what they need to see. # Open the screenshot in Preview. # Click [[Image:PreviewToolbar]] on the toolbar. A second toolbar opens. # Your cursor now looks like a compass. Use your cursor to draw a rectangle around the area you wish to show up in the final image. #;[[Image:Preview2|width=75]] # Click {button Crop}. ==Making screen grabs in Preview== Screen grabs let you focus on a small portion of a picture inside a larger picture. For example, you may want to showcase one button on a whole toolbar. # Open the screenshot in Preview. # Click {menu Tools} > {menu Annotate} > {menu Rectangle}. # A red rectangle appears. Adjust the rectangle so that it fits around the area you want to showcase. #;[[Image:ReloadiOS|width=300]] ==Resizing images in Preview== Some screenshots come out large. But it’s best not to use screenshots that are more than 620 pixels long or wide. Here’s how to resize a big screenshot. # Open a screenshot in Preview. # Click {menu Tools} > {menu Adjust Size}. A window opens. # Check if the height and width are both under 620px. If they’re larger, type a smaller number into either the height or width bar. # Make sure {button Scale Proportionally} is checked and click {button OK}. #;[[Image:ScalePreview|width=450]] [[UI:details_end]] = Create a screenshot on Linux = Once you have the screen presented the way you want for the screenshot: *On Ubuntu Linux, click the {menu Applications} menu, go to the {menu Accessories} folder, and select {menu Take Screenshot}. *In other cases, depending on your desktop manager, you can use [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/KSnapshot KSnapshot] or [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gnome-screenshot Gnome-screenshot] or use the {key Print Screen} or {key Prnt Scrn} or {key prt sc} or {key PrtSc} key, depending on your keyboard, to capture your screenshot. = Create a screenshot on iOS devices = Once you have the screen presented the way you want on your iPhone or iPad: #Press and hold the '''Sleep/Wake''' button, then immediately press the '''Home''' button. #Your screen will flash white for a second and the device will make a camera shutter noise (if the volume is on) to indicate that the screenshot has been taken. #The screenshot is now stored in your photos app for you to view. {note}'''iOS devices''': iPhone 6 devices & above, the '''Sleep/Wake''' button is on the right side of the device.{/note} = Create a screenshot on Android devices = Once you have the screen presented the way you want on your Android phone or tablet: # Press and hold the '''Sleep/wake''' button and the '''volume-down''' button simultaneously. The screen flashes. # Find the screenshot in the Gallery app. # Send the screenshot to your computer. If you want, edit the screenshot in an image editing software such as Paint or Preview. {note} *On Android phones running stock Android with Android version 9 (Pie) installed, you can simply press and hold the '''power/lock/unlock''' button, which will cause the ''Power'' menu to display. From within the ''Power'' menu, select '''Screenshot''' (the third option at the bottom of the menu) and a screenshot will automatically be saved to your phone's gallery. *Not all Android devices work the same way. If the above methods don't work and your device has a home button, press and hold the home button and the power button at the same time, until the screen flashes. For other methods, see these articles:<!-- the following is copied from https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/how-do-i-create-screenshot-my-problem --> **[http://www.wikihow.com/Take-Screenshots-on-an-Android How to Take Screenshots on an Android] (WikiHow) **[http://www.androidcentral.com/android-screenshots How to take a screenshot on Android] (Android Central) **[http://www.pcadvisor.co.uk/how-to/google-android/how-take-screenshot-on-android-phones-tablets-summary-windows-ios-android-3623449/ How to take a screenshot on Android phones, tablets] (PC Advisor) {/note} = Tools = *[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paint_%28software%29 Paint] (included on Windows) *[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Snipping_Tool Snipping tool] (included on Windows) *[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Preview_%28Mac_OS%29 Preview] (included on macOS) *[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/GIMP GIMP] (Freeware for Windows, macOS and Linux) *[http://www.irfanview.com/ Irfanview] (Freeware for Windows) *[http://www.getpaint.net/ Paint.NET] (Freeware for Windows) *[https://www.techsmith.com/store/snagit Snagit] (Paid software, with 15 days fully-functional trial) *[http://www.xnview.com/en/index.html XNView] (Freeware for desktop and mobile devices) *[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:Screenshot_software More screenshot software] = Complete Knowledge Base guidelines = See more guidelines in [https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/products/contributor/kb Knowledge Base articles for contributors].